Shape up or ship out

Re: RMC cadet corps punished for wearing jeans, March 3 The fundamental character of any military is its highly regimented structure and a disciplined chain of command. That is what the profession separates from any other profession — in any country.

Following orders and giving orders is the very essence of the military structure. This responsibility is enshrined in a Commission from the head of state awarded to graduating cadets who have met a demanding threshold of leadership. West Point, Sandhurst and others in this prestigious league have traditions going back over a century.

It is expected and absolutely essential for RMC to enforce a rigid code of conduct for its cadet corps as it deems appropriate without lowering the standards to the lowest de- nominator. We are dealing with future leaders here who will be entrusted to accept and give orders to men and women without entertaining debates for an easy way out to carry out dangerous missions which may cost lives.

A military officer whether in barracks or outside stands as the face of a country’s leadership, encompassing above the society’s code of behaviour — be it work ethics, dress, punctuality, management, respect for the system and its subsequent enforcement of a mission. Wearing jeans, sports gear, has its place as is the case with wearing hunting gear etc. Don’t let the flood gates open. If some cadets think that RMC is a ‘ prison,’ they are in the wrong profession and should have never enlisted.